District 117 Families:
We have been planning all summer for a great start of school and can’t wait to see our students back this week, starting with freshmen tomorrow! As you make your final family preparations for the return to the rhythm of the school year, we wanted to share the following information and reminders regarding our number one priority: the safety of our students.
Security Updates
The recent tragic events nationally and locally have security on the minds of our families, and you should know that we have invested significant time in reviewing all of our protocols this summer. District 117 conducts regular safety meetings to review our policies and procedures specific to safety and security with our local and county law enforcement agencies and first responders. Throughout the summer months, District 117 updated technology tools, took part in administrative tabletop drills, and attended Lake County school safety meetings, among other security enhancements to our already robust infrastructure. We will remain informed of the most up-to-date safety and security measures.
Below are a few reminders/requests for our stakeholders:
During school hours, all visitors must enter and check in at the main school entrance
All visitors must have a State ID to enter D117 buildings
Ensure that contact information is accurate in Infinite Campus and you are receiving school communications through email, text, and/or phone calls
Please partner with us to ensure a safe learning environment by adhering to the mantra “if you see something, say something” by utilizing the anonymous Lake County Text-A-Tip line, a 24/7 text-communication system for youth needing immediate mental health assistance for themselves or a friend.
Text LAKECO (and your message) to 1-844-823-5323. It’s safe, anonymous, and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Also, remember you can always call 988 to get live help with mental health crisis (similar to calling 911)
Health Updates
To support safe, in-person learning while reducing the spread of COVID-19, District 117 will implement mitigation protocols in line with the CDC and the IDPH. These layered prevention strategies can also help prevent the spread of other infectious diseases, such as Influenza (Flu), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and Norovirus, and support healthy learning environments for all. Included in our plan to keep students and staff safe are:
Daily cleaning protocols
Using respiratory etiquette (cover coughs and sneezing) and washing hands often (20-second minimum)
Requiring staff and students to stay home when sick and remain at home a minimum of 5 days upon receiving a positive COVID test
Providing students staying home due to a positive case remote access to audio of the instruction in their classes
Supporting and encouraging students and staff who choose to wear masks
Keeping the community informed of positive cases through weekly updates on our website
Offering PCR and Rapid tests on-site for students, families, and staff with symptoms of COVID-19 or those exposed to someone with COVID-19. Please note:
For a participant to get tested, they must complete the registration form for their first time and then the regular form for each time they test.
Consent & Waiver Registration Form link (Patient only needs to register on this link ONCE)
Consent Form for Repeat Testing link (Patient is required to fill out this form every time they test) & Step-By-Step Directions
Thank you for your partnership to ensure we maintain a safe and healthy learning environment! We look forward to welcoming our students back this week!
Jeff Feucht, Ed.D.
Superintendent